Description
Hearty bbq ranch chicken casserole brings Southern comfort straight to dinner tables with creamy layers of zesty flavor. Cheesy, smoky goodness mingles perfectly, promising a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 3 cups (680 grams) cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 1/2 cup (115 grams) cooked bacon, crumbled
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 1/2 cups (340 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (115 grams) mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) ranch dressing
Pasta and Seasonings:
- 2 cups (450 grams) uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup (40 grams) green onions, chopped (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350F (175C), preparing a 9×13-inch baking dish for the casserole.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Shred cooked chicken and combine with BBQ sauce and ranch dressing in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even coating.
- Fold the drained pasta into the chicken mixture, stirring gently to distribute sauce and chicken uniformly.
- Transfer the combined pasta and chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly across the surface.
- Generously layer shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top of the casserole, covering the entire dish.
- Sprinkle crumbled bacon across the cheese layer for added texture and flavor.
- Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges become golden and bubbly.
- Remove casserole from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to set.
- Optional: Garnish with finely chopped green onions before serving for a fresh, crisp accent.
Notes
- Swap ranch and BBQ sauce with lighter, homemade versions to reduce sodium and calories for health-conscious eaters.
- For gluten-free adaptation, use alternative pasta like chickpea or rice pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Boost veggie content by mixing in roasted bell peppers, spinach, or corn for extra nutrition and flavor complexity.
- Prep chicken in advance using rotisserie or slow cooker methods to save time and ensure tender, flavorful meat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 412 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg